From Thanksgiving to Christmas Day, it’s almost impossible to escape the sound of Christmas songs. They fill the air in stores, cafes, and even our homes. However, in their ubiquity, we sometimes lose sight of the deeper meaning and purpose these songs can hold, especially when it comes to worship. It’s time to rediscover the joy and profound significance within Christian Christmas Songs, shifting our focus from background noise to intentional worship.
This guide offers a curated list of Christian Christmas worship songs, perfect for enhancing your church’s worship services, creating a reflective walk-in playlist, or simply enriching your personal worship time at home throughout Advent and the Christmas season.
20 Timeless Traditional Christian Christmas Songs
The classics endure for a reason. These traditional carols are not just nostalgic favorites; they are rich with theological depth and offer a powerful connection to centuries of Christian worship. They serve as a fantastic starting point, whether you’re seeking modern interpretations by contemporary artists or wish to experience them in their original, time-honored forms.
- “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
- “Angels We Have Heard on High”
- “Away in a Manger”
- “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
- “The First Noel”
- “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
- “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen”
- “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
- “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
- “In the Bleak Midwinter”
- “It Came upon a Midnight Clear”
- “Joy to the World”
- “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
- “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
- “O Holy Night”
- “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
- “Ring the Bells”
- “Silent Night”
- “There’s a Song in the Air”
- “What Child Is This?”
20 Popular Contemporary Christmas Worship Songs
Looking for Christmas songs that resonate with today’s worship style yet still capture the spirit of Christmas? These contemporary Christian Christmas songs skillfully translate the core themes of Christmas into impactful, singable pieces. They often feel more aligned with a modern Sunday morning worship service while maintaining the celebratory essence of the Christmas season.
- “Arrival” by Hillsong Worship
- “Because of Bethlehem” by Matthew West
- “Behold” by Phil Wickham feat. Anne Wilson
- “Christmas Day” by Chris Tomlin and We the Kingdom
- “Glory (Let There Be Peace)” by Matt Maher
- “God with Us” by All Sons & Daughters
- “He Shall Reign Forevermore” by Chris Tomlin
- “Here Comes Heaven” by Elevation Worship
- “His Name Shall Be” by Matt Redman
- “Hope Has a Name” by Passion
- “Hope Has Come (Behold Him)” by Red Rocks Worship
- “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle
- “Manger Throne” by Phil Wickham
- “Mary & Joseph” by Chris Renzema
- “Noel” by Chris Tomlin feat. Lauren Daigle
- “O Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music
- “Prince of Peace” by Cross Point Music feat. Abby Vaughn
- “Seasons” by Hillsong Worship
- “To Christ Be the Glory (Emmanuel)” by Grace City and Chase Wagner
- “What Love, My God” by CityAlight
10 Christian Christmas Worship Songs: Blending Contemporary & Traditional Styles
For those seeking a bridge between generations and musical preferences, these blended Christian Christmas songs offer the best of both worlds. They artfully combine familiar classic melodies with modern instrumentation, or pair contemporary worship song structures with traditional Christmas lyrical themes. This creates a unique and accessible worship experience for everyone.
- “Away in a Manger (Forever Amen)” by Phil Wickham
- “Breath of Heaven (All of a Sudden)” by Elevation Worship feat. Tiffany Hudson
- “Crown Him (Glory in the Highest)” by The Worship Initiative
- “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by Zach Williams
- “Hark the Herald (with King of Heaven)” by Paul Baloche
- “Joy!” by Elevation Rhythm and Elevation Worship
- “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Passion and Melodie Malone
- “O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Christ Has Come)” by Journey Worship Co.
- “Silent Night (with Saviour King)” by Hillsong Worship
- “King of Kings/Angels We Have Heard on High” by Maverick City Music feat. Naomi Raine, Kim Walker-Smith, Mav City Gospel Choir
As you prepare your heart and your church for the Christmas season, remember the power of Christian Christmas songs to focus our minds on the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you choose the timeless carols or the fresh sounds of contemporary worship, may these songs lead you and your community into a deeper worship of Jesus Christ, the reason for the season. Consider creating a Christmas worship playlist with these songs to enrich your personal devotion or to guide your church’s musical worship during this special time of year.
